Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1887-12-23

horn persisted.
boil ham; that. with your fxingS,
must do. What can't be cured must be
endured"
"Bu, tie minister"
well. Dorothy, should hope the
minister's piety don't depend on turkey
for dinner. | shall tell the story at the
table, just as it is; and they'll have 10
make the best of il. too"
This view was finally acquirsced in all
round; in fact, there was nothing else
to DO. Mrs. Cleg horn aud her girls bus
led themselves in the kitchen. Captain
Bradstreet arrived before breakfast, aud
yoang Sol, reconnotering AT a parloT
window, reported more hugging and
kissing thar he had seen ina year. TX
cepting the younger sister, who stayed
at home 10 care for the preparations
made, the whole family attended AN ex
traordinary centennial Christmas meet
ing. They listened TO u sermon an hour
and twenty minutes long, and the Dea-
con sang with unusual JUNCTION. Attwo
o'clock all were gathered about the lorg
table at home, with the minister, the
doctor, the lawyers and their wives. and
the Captain. IL was bOuntifully spread
board, even without turkey.
The grace before meat" WAS said, and
the Deacon, with a slight "ahem! was
about to proceed with his apology and
explanation.
Then something very astonishing to
him occurred.
The door into the kitchen opened, and
job Harkins appeared, shaved. hair
nicely brushed, aud with a clean white
apron. On great platter he bore aloit
the missing turkey, done TO a beautiful
brown, nicely garnished, presenting a
perfect picture.
Just out OF the oven, sir" said job
with great solemnily, placing 1t before
the Deacon.
The murmurs of surprise and approval
caused by its unusual size allowed the
good man and his family time 10 gather
their wits, and appear as though moth.
ing unusual had happened. A bolster
Gus inquiry by Master Cleghorn as to
where that came from, was promptly
suppressed. The DeacOn's spirits rose;
the feast proceeded; the turkey and
other viands were amply discussed, and
before the domestic brought in the pies,
fruit and coffee, there were laughter,
mirth aud conversation all around the
table. When young Solomon briskly
said To his elder sister; sally, don't
tread on my toes-I uin't Captain Brad
street." there WAS louder laughter aud
some confusion.
Job Harkins waited on the table, and
when the company retired to the parlor
he sat down with the domestic and the
two men who labored in the DeacOn's
fields, and ate, AS he had been promised,
his best Christmas dinner since 1864.
At nine o'clock, hen the village guests
had departed, Job was summoned TO the
parlor. lie came slowly aud difiidenlly.
"Harkins," said the Deacon, you've
redeemed yourself aud surprised us.
How was it?"
Job looked doubtfully ut Clarice, who
laughed mischievously.
"IIe wants me TO explain, father. ]
contrived Il little plot when found that
the great turkey was safe. JOB brought
iG here just after you all went to meet
ing. | stuffed and roasted IL myself,
telling the girl TO say nothing about II.
Then made Job stay up in the mems
room ill dinner was ready, aud he had
his instructions, as you have seen"
1T was deception, Clarice," said the
deacon.
"It was well done, anyway" said
Captain Bradsueet.
you've been saying that ! couldn't
cook" said Claricr. stoutly, to her
mother and sister. "What do you think
nowf"
Shes awful clever" Put in young
Solomon.
But don't understand how the tur-
key came back, said the Deacon.
"Sir," spoke up Job. with a shaking
voice, "your deserved reproaches last
night seemed to sober me all at oEce.
In two minutes resolved that III have
thst turkey back, or somebody would
be hurt. took the halchet and started.
Knowing where those fellows would be
locked up together. | went and knocked
at the door. They wouldn't let me In.
| burst il in, and there they wege; two
dozen OF them round the table throwing
dice, with the turkey in the middle Of
it. They didn't seem to like my looks.
or the looks Of the hatchet. They all
fell back as walked in.
"'I1l take that turkey ] said. III
any man gets in my way, I'll split his
head
Nobody offered to stop me. Right or
wrong, had it in me to do a. had
raid"
81 believe you would have done 1t,
Job Harkins," said Captain Bradstreet.
There's an old soldier sound in your
talk; It's just like you. Don't you know
me 2" aud the captain offered his hand.
'To be sure did, sir, as soon as 1
saw you. But it wasn't for me to speak
TO you. I'm rot the man was Cap
tain"
We'll find the man in you, Job,"
was the hearty reply. "There was one
there a dozen years. ago, and ! believe
he's there yet"
"why, where did you know Job?"